LONE SURVIVOR

See it at the Movies

Posted
Wednesday, January 15, 2014 1:00 pm

Joyce and Don Fowler

* * * *

(Realistic, poignant, action-filled modern war story)

War is hell!

If you don’t believe that, watch this realistic, poignant, action-filled war story based on the aborted mission of a group of Navy SEALs in Afghanistan in 2005. Based on a true story, the two-hour movie opens with actual footage of SEAL training and closes with actual photos of the SEALs and their families. The men are played by Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Ben Foster and Emile Hirsch. In between, we learn a bit about the men, their hopes and dreams, their concerns for one another and then their courage during a losing battle.

We know from the title what happens to three of the men, and it doesn’t take long to determine who the lone survivor will be.

Operation Red Wings happens in a mountainous forest, where the SEALs are dropped by helicopter with the mission to kill a murderous Taliban leader. Things are going as planned until three goat-herders happen upon them. They must decide whether to let them go, tie them up or kill them, an agonizing moral and practical decision that sets the course of their future.

What follows is an incredible battle scene as the Taliban outnumbers the SEALs, with the two groups shooting at each other in rugged terrain. Bodies fall and tumble over rocks and down steep hillsides in scenes that are both realistic and difficult to watch, as the Americans get the worst of the battle. (Stuntmen earned their money in this one).

The title tells us that one will survive, and how he does makes for an incredible ending to this incredible incident in a war that many have questioned. There is one scene with an Afghan village boy that will tug at your heartstrings, as you watch the final rescue mission play out.

“Lone Survivor” is a tough tale of courage and brotherhood that makes you gain respect and hopefully concern for the young men who defend our freedom.

Rated R, with extreme violence and profanity. Unlike other movies on the big screen these days, these men have a reason to curse.